In China, there are numerous BIM software options available, each supporting a variety of BIM file formats. To help beginners better understand these formats, the BIM Architecture Training Network has compiled a list of commonly used BIM file types for your reference.
CGR: This is the file format used by Gehry Technology’s Digital Project software.
DWG: Standing for DraWinG format, DWG is AutoCAD’s native file format, developed by Autodesk since 1982. As of 2009, there are 18 different versions in use. While DWG files can contain some metadata, they primarily focus on geometric and graphic data and are not sufficient for supporting full BIM applications.
DXF: The Drawing eXchange Format, created by Autodesk, serves as a graphic exchange format for sharing information between AutoCAD and other software. It mainly supports 2D graphic data and has limited capabilities for 3D geometry, making it inadequate for comprehensive BIM data exchange.
DWF: Design Web Format is a lightweight, compressed format developed by Autodesk for design review over networks. It is a one-way format, meaning it is primarily used for viewing rather than editing.
DGN: Developed by Bentley for its MicroStation series, the Design format (DGN) has been updated since 2000 to support BIM data.
PLN: The Draw PLaN format was created by Graphisoft for ArchiCAD, entering the market in 1987. It is recognized as the world’s first BIM data format to gain significant market share.
RVT: This is the native BIM data format used by Autodesk’s Revit software series.
STP: Standing for STandardized Exchange of Product data (also known as STEP), this internationally recognized standard is widely used in the manufacturing industry—including automotive, aviation, industrial, and consumer products—for exchanging geometric data.
VWX: The BIM data format developed by Nemetschek in 2008 for their Vectorworks software products.
3D PDF: A unidirectional format developed by Adobe, Portable Document Format supports publishing and reviewing 3D design data, similar to Autodesk’s DWF format.
Above is a summary of common BIM file formats provided by the BIM Architecture Training Network. While not exhaustive, this list covers the most widely used formats in the industry today and aims to assist those learning about BIM software.
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